Having celebrated the Season of Creation Mass at 11:00a.m. on Sunday 5th September 2021, Bishop Martin Hayes planted a copper beech tree on the grounds of the Cathedral of SS. Patrick & Felim in Cavan.

A number of trees will be planted on the grounds of the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre and St. Patrick’s College, Cavan over the coming months.

Bishop Hayes highlighted the upcoming United Nations summits (COP 15 AND COP 26) and encouraged all Catholics and indeed all people of goodwill to join Pope Francis’ call on world leaders to urgently commit to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis by signing the HealthyPlanetHealthyPeople petition.

The Kilmore Diocesan Laudato Si’ Group is calling on all parishes within the Diocese to join Bishop Hayes in planting trees. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide emissions. They slow down climate change and help prevent global warming.  Trees have biodiversity benefits as well. They provide thousands of wildlife species with food and shelter. By planting the right tree in the right place, we can effect positive change for the protection of our common home.

For more information: www.irishbishops.ie, www.kilmorediocese.ie, www.kilmoredpc.ie, www.thecatholicpetition.org